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Did you know that you can practically eat your way to a healthy and beautiful smile?

When it comes to consuming vitamins and nutrients, your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body that needs those extra vitamins and nutrients to thrive. By eating foods or taking supplements that contain the right vitamins and nutrients, you can achieve healthy teeth and gums, fight off infection, and maintain excellent oral health.

There are several vitamins and minerals that are extremely beneficial for your teeth and gums. There are too many to list them all here – but to help you understand which ones will help your smile the most, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most valuable vitamins and nutrients, and some of the foods you can find them in.

What Vitamins and Minerals Are Good for My Teeth?

Below is a list of some of the key vitamins and minerals that are important to consume, either in food or supplements, for keeping your teeth and gums healthy:

Calcium

Most of us know that calcium is good for our teeth – it helps harden the enamel and strengthen the jawbone. If you don’t have enough calcium in your diet, you run the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Your teeth and bones are largely made up of calcium, so including additional calcium in your diet helps keep them strong. Why do you need additional calcium? The answer involves simple science.

If your body doesn’t get enough calcium from the food you eat, it will automatically take the calcium it needs from your bones. In order to ensure that this doesn’t happen and that the bones supporting your mouth stay healthy and sturdy, be sure to include foods in your diet that are rich in calcium.

You’ve probably heard that vitamin A is good for your eyes, but it’s also really good for your mouth. It promotes saliva production, which is essential for cleaning bacteria and food particles from between your teeth and gums. Vitamin A also helps keep mucous membranes healthy, preventing dry mouth and helping your lips heal quickly from anything that occurs in the area.

What you can eat to get enough vitamin A: fish, liver, dark leafy greens, egg yolks, and orange-colored fruits and vegetables like oranges, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and carrots.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins, especially niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2), help to ward off mouth sores and inflamed gums. If you are prone to an inflamed tongue or gums, or if you sometimes get canker sores in your mouth, try incorporating more of these vitamins into your everyday diet.

What you can eat to get enough B vitamins: red meat, fish, poultry, spinach, beans, almonds, and dairy products.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps strengthen your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. By consuming vitamin C, it can help protect you from gingivitis, or gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from becoming loose.

What you can eat to get enough vitamin C: citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, broccoli, berries, leafy greens, and peppers.

Iron

What you can eat to get enough iron: red meats, eggs, bran, and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D allows your body to absorb calcium and boost bone mineral density. It is essential to your oral health because without it, your mouth would become calcium-deficient and be prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

Your body naturally makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight; therefore, being exposed to direct sunlight for 15 minutes each day can be beneficial. There are also many foods you can eat that are rich in vitamin D.

Should I Take Vitamins?

Normally, a balanced and healthy diet can provide you with the vitamins you need to maintain oral health. However, some people may need supplements of the vitamins and minerals they need, especially if there is a category of foods they eat very infrequently or not at all – such as red meats or fruits.

If you don’t feel like you’re getting enough of these vitamins and minerals through your normal diet, you can speak to your dentist or doctor about possibly adding supplements. With your dentist's help, you can identify which vitamins are best for you to maintain excellent oral health.

Skilled Dentist in St. Paul

Dr. Steven Hagerman of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Minneapolis/St. Paul has extensive knowledge of how certain vitamins and minerals can help you achieve optimal oral and dental health.

To schedule an appointment or consultation and to receive the utmost in advanced, personalized care, please call our office at (651) 646-2392. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to taking care of you and keeping that smile bright.

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How Visiting the Dental Office is a Cornerstone of Your Overall Health

Research has shown that poor oral health, especially gum disease, is strongly linked to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and brain health. Even more surprisingly, poor oral health and or gum disease can have adverse effects during pregnancy.

The reason your dental health affects your overall health is largely due to bacteria. As a warm, moist environment, you mouth is the ideal place for bacteria to thrive. Your mouth is literally teeming with bacteria. Most forms of bacteria in your mouth are harmless, but some are not.

Normally those bacteria can be controlled by regular brushing and proper flossing. Without proper oral hygiene, though, certain nasty bacteria can penetrate your bloodstream through a cut, infection, or dental problems in your mouth like tooth decay or gum disease. Once in your bloodstream, this can lead to different health issues such as:

· Cardiovascular disease – Gingivitis (oral inflammation due to bacteria) may be a contributing factor to clogged arteries and blood clots. Bacteria damage the lining of the arteries. Once damaged, plaque builds up on the inside and over time, hardening the arteries, and cutting off the blood flow to the heart. This increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Research suggests that people with gum disease may also have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke; the more severe the infection, the greater the risk appears to be. Research also shows that people with gum disease and tooth loss have a higher percent of carotid artery plaque.

· Poorly controlled diabetes – Diabetes and gum disease go hand in hand. If you have diabetes, the risk of developing gum disease is increased. Many kinds of bacteria thrive on sugars, including the sugar linked to diabetes (glucose). When not controlled, glucose levels become high in the saliva and may help germs grow, setting the stage for gum disease. Studies show that people with chronic gum disease may have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.

· Preterm birth – The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that each year, as many as 18% of premature, low birth weight babies in the US may be attributed to oral infections. Oral bacteria is thought to release toxins that reach the placenta through the mother’s bloodstream, interfering with the growth and development of the fetus. The oral infection is thought to cause the mother to produce labor inducing substances too quickly, triggering premature labor and birth.

· Osteoporosis – Periodontal bone and tooth loss is thought to be linked with osteoporosis (bones become weak and brittle). A study conducted at the State University of New York at Buffalo concluded that post-menopausal women who suffered from osteoporosis were 86% more likely to have periodontal disease.

· Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – A recent study may have found a link connecting gum disease and poor dental health to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is the first time that a specific gum disease bacterial was found in the brain. These bacteria may play a role in changing the brain and contributing to symptoms which include confusion and failing memories.

Studies have shown that there are other conditions that may also be linked to oral health, including rheumatoid arthritis, head and neck cancers, Sjogren’s syndrome (an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth), and even eating disorders. To help protect your oral health and improve your overall health, you need to practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

· Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time

· Floss daily (and sometime between meals)

· Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if bristles are frayed.

· Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks.

· Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings,

· Avoid tobacco use!

When faced with serious health issues, it’s easy to see the need to visit your dental office to improve your overall health. If you are bothered by gum disease and would like to improve your oral health or have any other dental needs, please call Hagerman Dental Care at (651) 646-2392, or request an appointment online. We will make your dental and oral health our top priority.

Are Your Headaches Caused by Dental Health Issues?

When you think of what may be causing your headaches, many things may come to mind – lack of sleep, stress, poor posture, et cetera. But one reason you may not have considered is that a dental issue may be causing those headaches.

Most people don’t expect oral health and headaches to be related. But they often are! Many headaches are caused by problems that can be treated by your dentist.

Jaw and neck pain can trigger head pain, and vice versa. Believe it or not, muscle tension from dental issues can even spread to other areas of your body. For example, if you have mouth pain and so you clench the muscles in your mouth, you may also start clenching the muscles in your neck – causing pain there – which can extend to your shoulders.

How Dental Issues Can Cause a Headache

Headaches can be caused by a number of different ailments related to your dental health – from the simplest of cavities to a more complex jaw issue. Let’s take a look at the various ways dental issues can be causing your headaches.

Cavities or Infection

If you have pain in your teeth or gums because of cavities, an infection, or an abscess, that pain can radiate to other parts of your head. This is due to your trigeminal nerve, which controls biting and chewing, as well as the sensations in your face.

Pain in one part of the nerve can trigger pain in other parts of the nerve. Therefore, if the pain started in your tooth, for example, you can feel it in other parts of your head, such as your forehead, temples, or behind your eyes.

Bad Bite

A major cause of dental headaches can be a bad bite – which can occur due to misaligned teeth or jaw. When the chewing surfaces of your teeth don’t meet each other properly when shutting your jaw, it can cause pain and headaches.

Teeth Grinding and Jaw Issues

The most common headaches associated with dental issues are tension headaches. These tension headaches are caused by muscle strain that builds up in the mouth and jaw.

Some people grind their teeth when they sleep or experience clicking in their jaw, both of which can cause sore jaw muscles and an accompanying headache. These headaches can cause a dull pain in your teeth or mouth, or on the sides of your head. When you grind your teeth while you sleep, you’re overworking your jaw muscles, which can cause pain.

In some people, teeth grinding may be caused by obstructive sleep apnea, in which the soft tissue in the throat obstructs the airways. Loud snoring is a good indicator of this. The reason for the teeth grinding is because people with sleep apnea may move their jaw back and forth to help open the airway. A dentist can evaluate you for this condition and treat it using an oral device while sleeping to prevent this.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome)

If you grind your teeth, have clicking or popping in your jaw, cannot open your mouth fully while yawning, and/or have jaw pain, you may have a common condition called TMJ. This condition upsets the musculature of your jaw, which can cause severe headaches. In fact, these headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraine headaches.

If any of these issues sound familiar, you should see a dentist to evaluate your jaw muscles and your bite. You may need an orthodontic device to help correct the issue.

Skilled Dentist in St. Paul

Are you suffering from headaches? There’s no need to suffer anymore. If you’ve been to your general practitioner and haven’t found a reason for your headaches, it may be time to see an experienced dentist for an evaluation.

Dr. Steven Hagerman of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Minneapolis/St. Paul can help you determine whether those headaches are a result of underlying dental issues. Regular visits to your dentist and maintaining your oral health can be the key to eliminating your headaches.

To schedule an appointment or a consultation, and to receive the personalized care you deserve, please call our office at (651) 646-2392 today. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you get much-needed relief from dental-related headaches so you really have a reason to smile.

Is men’s dental health linked to snoring?

Statistically, men snore more than women. It could be that they sleep harder, they consume more alcohol than women, or that they simply refuse to seek medical attention for sleep-related disorders. We all have a friend who complains that their husband or partner sounds like a freight train when he sleeps. For those who have to put up with a snoring partner, sleeping in the other room can actually save a relationship. Most people think snoring has to do with breathing. And they are right. But did you know that snoring can be a symptom of a dental condition that affect your dental health? Here’s how.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Most of us are familiar with snoring when it is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start as we sleep. It occurs when the tongue relaxes, blocking the airflow into and out of your throat. Snoring may also occur when the tissues in your nasal cavity become swollen or fill up with fluid. Men who snore are at a higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea, and since it affects more men than women, chances are good a man in your life – your husband, father, boyfriend, grandpa, or son – has kept the family up way past bedtime snoring up a storm. If you happen to be laying next to someone with obstructive sleep apnea, the experience is not only exhausting, but unsettling: deep snoring, followed by silence, then a deep gasp to retrieve air. One of the first sign of sleep apnea is bruxism – teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, signal the brain to wake you up so you can take a breath. Bruxism can be remedied by the use of night guards, de-stressing before bed, avoiding caffeine, and maintaining good sleep habits.

Palatial Snoring

Palatial snoring is another form of snoring that can impact your dental health. It’s called palatial not because it could keep a palace awake, but because there is something amiss with the soft palate and uvula whose job it is to prevent liquid and food from entering the nasal cavity. When these tissues swell, become inflamed, or sag, they can block the airway between the throat and nasal cavity. And from that, expect snoring. Unfortunately, palatial snoring doesn’t go away with time and can result in dry mouth, halitosis, and tooth decay which will prompt attention from your dentist.

Chronic Sinus Issues

When your sinuses become infected, they can clog up, reducing your ability to breathe while sleeping. Also, these infected sinuses are very close to your teeth and can cause severe tooth pain. In fact, many times when a patient thinks they have an impacted tooth, the result actually is a sinus infection. If the infection does affect the root of the tooth, expect lots of pain that can lead to snoring – and even a root canal!

Missing Teeth and Snoring

Teeth have many functions besides chewing and providing a dazzling smile. They also ensure the integrity of the facial structure. When a tooth is missing, it can actually change the facial construct, which can result in a narrow upper airway. If this the case, you likely can expect to snore the night away.

Your dentist knows the signs

A dentist can examine your teeth and tell a lot about how well you’re sleeping at night – from chipped or cracked teeth from grinding and loss of saliva that results in tooth decay, to tooth sensitivity, your dentist will know the signs to look for. He also can examine the soft tissues in your mouth to see if it’s injured. If you do have soft tissue injuries, your dentist may refer you to a specialist for surgery.

Regular dental exams can detect early signs of sleep apnea; however, because some men tend to avoid the doctor and dentist more than women, they may miss important early signs of these diseases. Routine dental check-ups are the key to early detection of potentially life-threatening disorders.

You’ve been identified as having sleep apnea. Now what?

Oftentimes the first step to treatment of snoring is admitting that you snore and want to seek help. To get to the bottom of your snoring, your dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist for an overnight sleep study. These studies are non-invasive and allows doctors to monitor you while you’re sleeping to see changes in your brain and body. Upon your diagnosis, you may be referred back to your dentist for treatment.

Treatment for Snoring

One treatment your dentist may use to treat your snoring and sleep apnea is a mandibular advancement splint. This device includes an upper and lower splint that holds your jaw forward when you sleep at night. By holding your jaw forward, it can help prevent your tongue from falling into the airway while you sleep, which what causes you to snore so loudly and block your airway.

Your dentist can also teach you how to do myofunctional exercises that help train your tongue to keep the airways open while you sleep. Over time, these exercises help strengthen the muscles that support your airways at night.

If your snoring causes problems with your saliva, your dentist may prescribe you a moisturizing mouthwash to replenish the saliva and to remove the excessive bacteria from your teeth and tongue.

Your dentist may recommend that you wear a customized mouth guard when you sleep to help prevent snoring. A mouth guard helps keep your mouth closed and airways open by repositioning your jaw when you sleep. It also helps prevent grinding.

If your sleep study reveals that you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may be prescribed a CPAP machine, which uses forced air to deliver oxygen while you’re asleep.

It’s all about early detection

Dental health isn’t just about having beautiful teeth. Your teeth and gums can be a good indicator of your overall health. By getting regular check-ups, your dentist will be able to detect health conditions early, before they become serious or even life-threatening. Early detection can go a long way in preventing health problems down the road.

If you or your partner snores or has trouble sleeping, Dt. Steven Hagerman of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Minneapolis/St. Paul can help you get a good night’s sleep. Dr. Hagerman is an expert at providing advanced dental care, which includes early detection and screening for snoring and other sleep disorders. We look forward to providing you with the personalized care you deserve. To schedule an appointment or consultation, please call our office at (651) 646-2392. You can also request an appointment online.

A Family Dentist that Cares: Making Dental Health Affordable

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention

Did you know that decay could begin to develop from the minute a tooth breaks through the gums? That means that even your 6-month old child is at risk for getting a cavity. This is why prevention is vitally important throughout your entire life. The American Dental Association recommends that every person from the age of one-year old should visit their dentist every 6 months. Decay can be hidden, and symptoms like pain may not develop until the problem is severe. But if your dentist is inspecting your mouth twice yearly, he or she is much more likely to identify problems in their early stages, long before a procedure such as a root canal is necessary.

However, these twice-a-year visits are not only for the exams. You will also be having cleanings that will remove plaque buildup on your teeth. Additionally, routine X-rays will allow your dentist to find decay before you develop a toothache, giving them the opportunity to intervene before the need for costly and potentially uncomfortable treatments. Children who are seeing their dentist regularly may have fluoride treatments, or may have sealants applied to protect their teeth from cavities. As the need arises, orthodontia work like braces or Invisalign may be advised to straighten your teeth, because it can be difficult to brush or floss between teeth when they are overlapping or crooked. Grinding at night can also lead to a wearing down of the enamel of your teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Your dentist can fit you for a custom-made mouth guard, which will prevent the damage that could ultimately require more extensive dental work. A mouth guard can also be made for those who participate in sports, again to prevent injury before it occurs.

A family dentist that is focused on prevention will guide you through maintaining your oral health. The ultimate goal is for you to avoid more serious complications of dental disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis. They will be your source of valuable information that will assist you in keeping your teeth healthy. For instance, they will remind you to brush and floss twice daily, refrain from smoking, and avoid foods high in sugars and carbohydrates. These health-promoting behaviors will not only keep your smile bright, but will keep your dental care more affordable.

Innovative Cost-Saving Strategies

Have you ever heard the term “dental home”? This refers to having a family dentist that you have chosen to provide all of your dental needs. It is basically the same concept as a primary care provider, but for your dental health. With prevention in mind, the dentist of your choice evaluates your individual needs and risks, and develops a comprehensive plan with you to keep your teeth healthy and strong. The benefits of choosing a dentist for your dental home are numerous, including the development of a trusting relationship and continuity of care. This in turn will lead to healthier teeth and gums, fewer acute problems, and less overall cost.

Dr. Hagerman believes in preventive care and maintaining a continuous relationship with his patients. He’s also sensitive to your need for affordable dental care. That is why he has created the Hagerman Dental Plan for his patients that do not have traditional insurance. By paying a one-time annual fee, you will be able to receive all the recommended preventive care you will require to maintain good oral health, as well as reduced fees if you need additional treatments. He also offers financing with Care Credit, with some “no interest” options. By providing recommended preventive treatment, plans that include reduced rates for services, and affordable financing, Dr. Hagerman can help more people maintain that healthy and beautiful smile, at reasonable prices.

If you have questions about the services Dr. Hagerman can provide, or if you have any concerns about your dental health, please call Hagerman Dental Care at (651) 646-2392, or request an appointment online. We will be happy to help you achieve your highest level of oral health.

The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Dental Implants

Keeping up with all of the latest dental terminology, technology, and dental procedures can get a bit confusing at times if you are not a dentist or a medical professional. When some terms are used interchangeably, it can leave people confused as to what type of dental treatment they are getting. Knowledge is power, so doing research before a procedure or asking your dentist questions so you feel prepared and not blindsighted when in the dentist chair, will leave you feeling like a dental expert in the end.

One of the most common dental topics that people are often confused about is whether or not a dental crown and a dental implant are the same or different. Both terms seem to frequently be used as one and the same, making it hard to understand the difference between the two. Dental crowns and dental implants are two different dental materials used to fix teeth that are decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored, or even missing. However, while the dental crown is different, and not actually part of a dental implant, it is an essential part of the patient’s treatment, because one without the other would leave the patient toothless. Here is what you need to know about the difference between dental crowns and dental implants:

What is a Dental Implant?

If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, an accident, or any other cause, there is hope with dental implants. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. Dental implants are what they call prosthetic roots, which are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as the tooth root, and are designed to function the same way that a root of your natural teeth usually would. A dental implant can help restore your smile to a beautiful one. Essentially, a dental implant can replace missing or severely damaged teeth.

What is a Dental Crown?

If your teeth are becoming weak or are slowly deteriorating, due to gum disease (periodontal disease), tooth decay, tooth fracture, or other factors, your dentist can help by placing a crown over the damaged tooth.

Since crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth above the gum lines, they protect the tooth from additional wear and tear caused by biting or chewing. Placed above the gum line, a crown is an artificial tooth most commonly made from porcelain that is fused to metal, then placed completely around the damaged or decayed tooth. Technology has made it possible for the porcelain of the crown to be color-matched to resemble the shade of your other normal teeth, alongside the one being restored. A crown will restore your confidence and give you a reason to smile again.

How Can Your Dentist Relieve Your TMJ Symptoms?

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

TMD is classified as a type of headache disorder that is caused by a malfunction of the jaw. It is more common in women, and the average age of onset is 18 to 44 years. There are a number of risk factors associated with the disorder, including depression and other psychiatric illnesses, rheumatoid arthritis, and bruxism (teeth grinding). There are also a number of activities that are thought to contribute to TMJ problems, such as gum chewing, pencil biting, pipe smoking, and performing repetitive jaw motions such as those associated with singing or playing a woodwind instrument.

There is some evidence that poor dental occlusion (alignment of your teeth) can affect the position of the jaw, which can then affect function. However, jaw trauma is also a major source of problems, as the local inflammation that it causes can create degeneration of the joint. This type of injury can occur as a result of whiplash, blunt trauma, or grinding. Scientists are still studying it, but there may be some causation from chronic head and neck posture. And finally, both pain perception and behavioral factors can contribute to TMD. There is an association between TMD and illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It may also be that the physical response to this type of stress may result in clenching and grinding, which can damage your TMJ. Because the response to pain is a subjective experience, there is some evidence that people with TMD often exhibit a lower tolerance for pain.

What are the Symptoms and How is it Diagnosed?

There are a number of symptoms that are characteristic for TMD – some involving the jaw, and some which are experienced in more remote areas. Not surprisingly, an overwhelming majority of people with TMD experience jaw pain. However, at least three-quarters of all people who see a doctor for this disorder report ear pain, ear fullness or ringing, a headache, and/or altered function of the joint. This is manifested by an inability to open your mouth fully, clicking or popping noises, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or an uneven jaw closure. Rarely, jaw locking may occur.

All symptoms are generally unilateral, meaning they only occur on one side of the head. Additionally, any symptoms associated with jaw function are usually worse in the morning. Other symptoms that occur less frequently are neck or back pain, facial pain, eye pain, arm pain and dizziness. Diagnosis is often made by your dentist on the basis of your reported symptoms, however, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be performed to either rule out other causes or confirm that you have TMD.

What Can be Done to Relieve the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?

The simplest way to manage TMD, and frequently the first suggestions you will get from your dentist, is to try to avoid activities that are contributing to the problem. For instance, if you chew gum you should try switching to lozenges. Other suggestions may be changing sleep position, addressing head and neck posture, and controlling anxiety or depression symptoms through cognitive behavioral therapy. If symptoms persist, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants can be tried to relieve your discomfort. However, there are potential side effects, and long-term studies have not determined that these medications are generally effective. Physical therapy may also have some beneficial effect on jaw function and pain.

However, your dentist may also be able to improve your TMJ function through a number of interventions. First, you may be fitted for a splint or night guard. This is a rigid device to be worn at night to prevent teeth grinding. He or she may also suggest treating you with an injection of cortisone and anesthetic into the joint to decrease inflammation and pain. Additionally, injections of Botox can be used to relax the muscles in the jaw, resulting in less stress, less inflammation, and less pain of the joint.